Stanley Rowe Melton, III

Stanley Rowe Melton, III, ended his well-lived, 91-years of life on earth September 19, 2025.  He was at Bethany House, following several years of declining health and a recent hip fracture. He joins his beloved wife Nelle who died July 18, 2009 and his many good buddies including Warner Williams, Herbert Vaughn, Clarence Small, Bobby Huling, Henry Stern, Harris Asbury and countless others who pre-deceased him, in God’s presence. It’s a joyful reunion.

Stanley is survived by his daughter Laurie Melton Tate (Jon), Opelika and Cape San Blas, FL and his son, Stanley Rowe Melton, IV (Stan),  his grandsons Drew Tate,  (Alexandra), Birmingham; Fuller Tate (Abbey), Birmingham; Thomas Bartley Melton (Utah), granddaughter Evelyn Ingram Melton Lett (Hunter) great grandchild Jon Ryan Tate, Evelyn Scott Lett, Callahan Monroe Lett, and a forthcoming great grandson expected in October (Abbey & Fuller). His brothers, Thomas Spearman Melton (Gayle), Crawford Shealy Melton (Katy), the late William Melton (Lynn), the late William McIntosh Fambrough (Beverly), and many nieces and nephews. 

A lifelong devoted member of Opelika Methodist Church, Stanley loved bringing folks to church and later in life he missed being able to be attend services in person. Stanley was the owner of R+L Trucking Company of Opelika. He was a graduate of Auburn University (then API) and feted Alumnus of Alpha Tau Omega, and in whose honor the fraternity library was named. He participated in all the civic and charitable causes his long life allowed.

Stanley’s life focused on family and friends, often centered around church activities. Although, he loved a good party with his buddies and to regale captive audiences with tales of Old Opelika and Avenue A misadventures.

Graveside services will be held at Rosemere Cemetery Tuesday, September 23 at 11:00 a.m. Central, the Rev. Rick Lane officiating. It would have been Stanley’s 92nd birthday. 

The family would like to thank his amazing caregiver Joyce Coad for the years she devoted to make sure he was well taken care of. Recently he was fortunate to have Diamonique Osborne join his care team and we are most thankful. The family would like to also thank The Bethany House and the staff for their compassion and care they showed towards Stanley. Monarch Estates was a true blessing for him in which he made many new friends and found comfort knowing he was able to age in place in his home. 

Remembrances may be shared with Opelika Methodist Church, 707 Avenue A, Opelika.